Datu Len Talif Salleh – File photo
SIBU: The issuance of open burning permits throughout the state have been frozen for the time being to ease the haze condition, said Assistant Minister of Ministry of Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datu Len Talif Salleh
Len Talif said the Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) was monitoring the situation closely besides making effort to control the open burning activities.
He said as of 1pm today, the air pollutant index (API) readings at major towns in the state were at moderate level.
“We hope that the API reading will not increase to 100 at all stations in this state,” he said when contacted.
The API reading between zero to 50 is considered good, between 51 and 100 is considered moderate, from 101 to 200 is considered unhealthy, between 201 and 300 is considered very unhealthy, while above 300 is considered hazardous.
Meanwhile, Len Talif said based on the weather forecast, rain is expected in the state on Monday and Tuesday next week.
“I hope that it (rain) will help to ease haze condition,” he added.